Saul and Moses by C. H. Bliss

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 25, 1916

Saul and Moses

By C. H. Bliss

C. H. BLISS

We read in 1 Sam. 10:9 that God gave Saul another heart, and verse 6 tells how this was brought about: “The spirit of the Lord will come upon thee, and thou shalt . . . be turned into another man.” Nothing but the Spirit of the Lord could do this. While under its direct influence, the prophet said to Saul, “Do as occasion serve thee; for God is with thee.” We are safe if we follow the directions of the Holy Spirit, for we have been told, “He will guide you into all truth.”

But there is another law in our members opposed to the leadings of the Spirit; and if we permit it to rule our lives, the Spirit of God cannot abide in the heart. When Saul allowed pride, envy, and jealousy to come into his life, an evil spirit assumed control, and he soon became an exceedingly wicked man. Contrast his experience with that of Moses.

When the seventy elders were selected and given authority, two of their number began to prophesy in the camp. Moses, when asked to forbid them, answered, “Would God that all the Lord’s people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his Spirit upon them!” No envy or jealousy had place in his heart.

Saul sought to kill David rather than share with him the honors of the kingdom: Moses rejoiced that others were honored with him. The difference was not in the men, but in the spirit which controlled them. One life showed the result of the control of Satan; the other showed the fruit of the Spirit, which is “love, joy, . . . meekness.”

Peoria, Ill.